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Thursday, September 01, 2005

Seeing Red!

Last weekend I had an opportunity to taste two Walla Walla red wines. One of the wines was a red table and the other a blend (I don't think they consider theirs an RTW).

The red blend came from SYZYGY - 2003 Red Wine. A floral nose and there seemed to be a background of vanilla. There were cherries and black fruit on the palate and a long wonderful finish. This wine deserved better than the baloney and cheese sandwich I was nibbling on (Hey I was at a bowling alley. Wha'daya expect?) The percentage of this smooth and delicious blend is 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah. SYZYGY red wine sells for $20.00.

The red table wine (RTW) came from the esteemed Woodward Canyon. I don't have the blend percentages that went into the wine, but it is definitely a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend. While this wine was elegant, there was a real "meatiness" to it and a wine that you can give some age to. I happened to be noshing on pieces of Spanish Manchego and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, along with some cashews and dried prunes. The strong pungent cheeses and the rich dark fruit paired very nicely with this full bodied wine. Woodward Canyon RTW sells for $17.00

I often tell people that Walla Walla Valley makes some of the best table wines and blends around. The table reds are always an excellent value for the quality.

I've gotta find the Woodward Canyon. I have another wonderful Walla Walla blend to add to your list. Saviah Cellars "The Jack". Sells for around $15, it is a blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cab. Rich deep berry flavors blend very smoothly and this is a delicious wine you must try.